The case for — and against — taking your shoes off in the house

Should you require shoes off in your home if it’s not for cultural reasons? Scientists, a podiatrist, a flooring specialist and an etiquette expert weigh in.

* This article was originally published here

How to deal with that never-ending pile of kids’ clothes

Buying, organizing, storing, disposing — it’s relentless, but these tips can make life with your children’s clothing a little easier.

* This article was originally published here

My Craft Desk Glow Up

I just bought this floral desk pad for my craft workspace, and I honestly can’t stop staring at it—it’s that pretty. I was long overdue for an upgrade. I’d been using one of those standard green self-healing mats from the craft store forever. While they do the job, let’s be real—they’re not exactly inspiring. I found myself feeling a bit “meh” every time I sat down to work, and as someone who lives for colour, texture, and creative energy, that just wasn’t cutting it anymore so I went on an Amazon search.

Enter this gorgeous floral desk pad. From the moment I unrolled it, I was in love. The design is soft and feminine without being too busy—just a lovely, calming mix of vintage florals that fits right in with my “current” creative vibe. Let’s be fair, I may be on a different vibe next month.

It adds a splash of personality to my workspace, and it honestly makes me want to sit down and create. That little shift in mood? Totally worth it.

Functionally, it’s spot on. The surface is smooth and easy to work on—perfect for my laptop, sketching, journaling, or even placing my cutting tools when I’m working on papercrafts. The anti-slip base keeps everything in place, even when I’m sliding papers or tools around. It’s generously sized, too, which means I don’t feel cramped while I work. It is not a self-healing mat, so for that you will need something else. 

If you’re like me and your desk is not just a workspace but your creative sanctuary, this pad is such a beautiful upgrade. It’s the kind of little detail that sparks joy every single time I walk into my studio. Whether you’re crafting, journaling, designing, or even just using it as a stylish mousepad, I couldn’t recommend it more. This one’s a keeper!

* This article was originally published here

Ask a Vet: Anal gland issues are gross and painful. Here’s what to do.

Dogs with anal gland problems may lick or bite at the area, seem uncomfortable when sitting or pooping, strain to poop, or “scoot.”

* This article was originally published here

Australia’s house of the year goes to a prefab beach shack trio on Stradbroke Island

Built in a factory in Brisbane and transported to the island in modules, Blok Three Sisters is a shining example of ‘stealth density’, Houses award judge says. The owners say it’s ‘magical’

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Split it, sell it, or find a way of keeping it in the family? That’s the question three sisters asked themselves when they inherited a property, built by their parents in the 1970s, on a plot of land near Home beach on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island.

The sisters had been holidaying at the house since they were children, and the site was “almost impossible to replicate”, says one sibling, who asked to remain anonymous. “We decided quite quickly we didn’t want to get rid of it,” she says. As the older building had been eaten by mycelium, the hard part was deciding what to do with it next.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Australia’s house of the year goes to a prefab beach shack trio on Stradbroke Island

Built in a factory in Brisbane and transported to the island in modules, Blok Three Sisters is a shining example of ‘stealth density’, Houses award judge says. The owners say it’s ‘magical’

• Get our weekend culture and lifestyle email

Split it, sell it, or find a way of keeping it in the family? That’s the question three sisters asked themselves when they inherited a property, built by their parents in the 1970s, on a plot of land near Home beach on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island.

The sisters had been holidaying at the house since they were children, and the site was “almost impossible to replicate”, says one sibling, who asked to remain anonymous. “We decided quite quickly we didn’t want to get rid of it,” she says. As the older building had been eaten by mycelium, the hard part was deciding what to do with it next.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Australia’s house of the year goes to a prefab beach shack trio on Stradbroke Island

Built in a factory in Brisbane and transported to the island in modules, Blok Three Sisters is a shining example of ‘stealth density’, Houses award judge says. The owners say it’s ‘magical’

• Get our weekend culture and lifestyle email

Split it, sell it, or find a way of keeping it in the family? That’s the question three sisters asked themselves when they inherited a property, built by their parents in the 1970s, on a plot of land near Home beach on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island.

The sisters had been holidaying at the house since they were children, and the site was “almost impossible to replicate”, says one sibling, who asked to remain anonymous. “We decided quite quickly we didn’t want to get rid of it,” she says. As the older building had been eaten by mycelium, the hard part was deciding what to do with it next.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here